AbstractA group of 10 male chronic patients were observed on a psychiatric ward while participating in structured activities (team sports, art projects, and housework) and during comparison time periods in which no activities were present. Broad spectrum behavioral measures obtained with the Time‐Sample Behavior Checklist (TSBC) showed that activities produced a 70% reduction in bizarre and inappropriate behavior, as well as a 400–500% increase in productive and appropriate behavior. Performance in activity sessions with contingent tokens (dependent on subject's participation) and with noncontingent tokens was simi